Burns Funeral Home
our caring staff
meet 0ur family
Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services.
Gerard J. Burns
Funeral Director/ Second generation
Gerard J. Burns
Funeral Director/ Second generation
Joseph J. Burns
Funeral Director / Second generation
Joe Burns is the youngest of four sons born in St. Mary’s Hospital in Fishtown to Martin and Grace Burns, the founders of Burns Funeral Home, which has proudly served the community since 1939. Growing up at the funeral home, Joe lived in Fishtown until moving to Northeast Philadelphia in 1957. After completing his education at St. Katherine of Siena School (Class of 1969) and Archbishop Ryan High School (Class of 1973), Joe continued his academic journey at Pierce Business College, graduating in 1975. He then earned his funeral director's license from the American Academy McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science in New York City in 1977.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Joe worked alongside his three brothers, Martin Jr., Robert, and Gerard, to continue the family tradition of service in the funeral industry. Over the years, Joe has dedicated his career to helping families navigate one of life’s most difficult times with care, professionalism, and compassion.
Joe married Denise Fitz-Patrick in 1982, and the couple initially moved into the funeral home in Fishtown, where they began their family. After the birth of their two sons, Scott and Shamus, they relocated to Burlington Township, where they expanded their family with three daughters—Shannon and twin daughters Kelsey and Grace. Raising five children, four of whom are now actively involved in the family business, Joe and Denise have helped ensure the continued legacy of Burns Funeral Home for generations to come.
Outside of his professional life, Joe enjoys a variety of hobbies, including golfing, skiing, and riding motorcycles.
Joseph J. Burns
Funeral Director / Second generation
Joe Burns is the youngest of four sons born in St. Mary’s Hospital in Fishtown to Martin and Grace Burns, the founders of Burns Funeral Home, which has proudly served the community since 1939. Growing up at the funeral home, Joe lived in Fishtown until moving to Northeast Philadelphia in 1957. After completing his education at St. Katherine of Siena School (Class of 1969) and Archbishop Ryan High School (Class of 1973), Joe continued his academic journey at Pierce Business College, graduating in 1975. He then earned his funeral director's license from the American Academy McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science in New York City in 1977.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Joe worked alongside his three brothers, Martin Jr., Robert, and Gerard, to continue the family tradition of service in the funeral industry. Over the years, Joe has dedicated his career to helping families navigate one of life’s most difficult times with care, professionalism, and compassion.
Joe married Denise Fitz-Patrick in 1982, and the couple initially moved into the funeral home in Fishtown, where they began their family. After the birth of their two sons, Scott and Shamus, they relocated to Burlington Township, where they expanded their family with three daughters—Shannon and twin daughters Kelsey and Grace. Raising five children, four of whom are now actively involved in the family business, Joe and Denise have helped ensure the continued legacy of Burns Funeral Home for generations to come.
Outside of his professional life, Joe enjoys a variety of hobbies, including golfing, skiing, and riding motorcycles.
Lisa J. Burns-Campbell
Funeral Director / Third generation
Lisa J. Burns-Campbell
Funeral Director / Third generation
Robert J. Burns, Jr.
Funeral Director / Third generation
Bob has worked at the funeral home in one capacity or another since the age of 16. He has a B.A. from Kutztown University for Special Education. Bob also attended and graduated from American Academy McAllister Institute when he decided to become a licensed funeral director on a full time basis. Bob is a licensed funeral director in two states, PA and NJ. Bob also has an Insurance Producer License from the state of PA, and he is also a Pennsylvania Notary.
Bob enjoys working at the funeral home because the jobs needed to be done change daily, therefore it always stays interesting.
Robert J. Burns, Jr.
Funeral Director / Third generation
Bob has worked at the funeral home in one capacity or another since the age of 16. He has a B.A. from Kutztown University for Special Education. Bob also attended and graduated from American Academy McAllister Institute when he decided to become a licensed funeral director on a full time basis. Bob is a licensed funeral director in two states, PA and NJ. Bob also has an Insurance Producer License from the state of PA, and he is also a Pennsylvania Notary.
Bob enjoys working at the funeral home because the jobs needed to be done change daily, therefore it always stays interesting.
Joseph Scott Burns
Funeral Director/Third Generation
With nearly 25 years of experience in the funeral profession, I have dedicated my career to serving families with compassion and care. Born in Fishtown, Philadelphia, I moved to Burlington, New Jersey at the age of four and graduated from Holy Cross High School in Delran, NJ in 2001. My journey in funeral service began at age 15, working part-time at the family funeral home while attending school.
After earning my associate degree from Burlington County Community College, I pursued my Funeral Director’s License at Mercer County Community College, graduating in 2013. That same year, I moved back to Fishtown, living above our original funeral home—proud to be the fourth generation of the Burns family to do so.
Outside of work, I enjoy riding my motorcycle and going to the gym. One of the most rewarding aspects of this profession is working alongside my family, which allows us to better serve the families in our community with the personal touch and dedication they deserve.
Joseph Scott Burns
Funeral Director/Third Generation
With nearly 25 years of experience in the funeral profession, I have dedicated my career to serving families with compassion and care. Born in Fishtown, Philadelphia, I moved to Burlington, New Jersey at the age of four and graduated from Holy Cross High School in Delran, NJ in 2001. My journey in funeral service began at age 15, working part-time at the family funeral home while attending school.
After earning my associate degree from Burlington County Community College, I pursued my Funeral Director’s License at Mercer County Community College, graduating in 2013. That same year, I moved back to Fishtown, living above our original funeral home—proud to be the fourth generation of the Burns family to do so.
Outside of work, I enjoy riding my motorcycle and going to the gym. One of the most rewarding aspects of this profession is working alongside my family, which allows us to better serve the families in our community with the personal touch and dedication they deserve.
Shamus F. Burns
Intern
Shamus was born in Philadelphia in 1984 and spent his early years in the Fishtown neighborhood before moving to Burlington Twp., New Jersey. After graduating from Holy Cross High School, where he played both hockey and golf, he began his path into funeral service — a calling that would allow him to serve families during their most difficult times. He went on to attend Mercer County Community College, earning his degree in Funeral Service.
Having grown up in and around the funeral home, Shamus has dedicated much of his life to the profession. His primary role is meeting with families when a loved one passes away, guiding them with compassion, and bringing the decedent into the funeral home’s care. He understands the importance of those first moments and takes great pride in ensuring each family is treated with dignity, empathy, and respect.
Proud to work alongside his own family, Shamus values the close relationships and trust built within the community over the years. Outside of his work, he enjoys playing golf, spending time in the mountains, and cherishing time with his loved ones.
Shamus F. Burns
Intern
Shamus was born in Philadelphia in 1984 and spent his early years in the Fishtown neighborhood before moving to Burlington Twp., New Jersey. After graduating from Holy Cross High School, where he played both hockey and golf, he began his path into funeral service — a calling that would allow him to serve families during their most difficult times. He went on to attend Mercer County Community College, earning his degree in Funeral Service.
Having grown up in and around the funeral home, Shamus has dedicated much of his life to the profession. His primary role is meeting with families when a loved one passes away, guiding them with compassion, and bringing the decedent into the funeral home’s care. He understands the importance of those first moments and takes great pride in ensuring each family is treated with dignity, empathy, and respect.
Proud to work alongside his own family, Shamus values the close relationships and trust built within the community over the years. Outside of his work, he enjoys playing golf, spending time in the mountains, and cherishing time with his loved ones.
Shannon E. Burns Bjerring
Funeral Director/Third Generation
With over a decade of experience in the funeral service industry, Shannon is a dedicated and compassionate licensed funeral director at Burns Funeral Home. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Burlington Township, NJ, Shannon graduated from Holy Cross High School before earning a Funeral Service degree from Mercer County Community College. Following her education, she joined her family’s funeral home in 2007 and began full-time in 2010, where she has been serving families with the utmost care and professionalism ever since.
In addition to being a licensed funeral director, Shannon is a Pennsylvania Notary Public, further enhancing her ability to serve families during difficult times. Her passion for helping others and her commitment to the community are central to her work. Outside of her professional life, Shannon is happily married with two children and enjoys staying active through soccer and working out.
Whether assisting with funeral arrangements or providing guidance during challenging moments, Shannon takes great pride in offering support to families and ensuring their loved ones are honored with respect and dignity.
Shannon E. Burns Bjerring
Funeral Director/Third Generation
With over a decade of experience in the funeral service industry, Shannon is a dedicated and compassionate licensed funeral director at Burns Funeral Home. Born in Philadelphia and raised in Burlington Township, NJ, Shannon graduated from Holy Cross High School before earning a Funeral Service degree from Mercer County Community College. Following her education, she joined her family’s funeral home in 2007 and began full-time in 2010, where she has been serving families with the utmost care and professionalism ever since.
In addition to being a licensed funeral director, Shannon is a Pennsylvania Notary Public, further enhancing her ability to serve families during difficult times. Her passion for helping others and her commitment to the community are central to her work. Outside of her professional life, Shannon is happily married with two children and enjoys staying active through soccer and working out.
Whether assisting with funeral arrangements or providing guidance during challenging moments, Shannon takes great pride in offering support to families and ensuring their loved ones are honored with respect and dignity.
Kelsey M. Burns
Intern
A graduate of Holy Cross High School in Delran NJ, Kelsey is currently completing the Funeral Service program at Mercer County Community College.
As a funeral intern specializing in hair and makeup, she considers it a true honor to care for the loved ones of the families she serves and to help families find peace during difficult times.
Following in her father's footsteps—just like her two brothers and sister— Kelsey feels grateful to serve alongside her family in such a meaningful profession.
When she’s not working, she enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending time with her mini-Berne doodle, Maggie May, who never fails to bring a little extra joy to each day.
Kelsey M. Burns
Intern
A graduate of Holy Cross High School in Delran NJ, Kelsey is currently completing the Funeral Service program at Mercer County Community College.
As a funeral intern specializing in hair and makeup, she considers it a true honor to care for the loved ones of the families she serves and to help families find peace during difficult times.
Following in her father's footsteps—just like her two brothers and sister— Kelsey feels grateful to serve alongside her family in such a meaningful profession.
When she’s not working, she enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending time with her mini-Berne doodle, Maggie May, who never fails to bring a little extra joy to each day.
Gerard J. Burns, Jr.
Intern
Gerard J. Burns, Jr.
Intern